The 14 Best Eye Creams for Puffiness and Wrinkles We Tested (We Tried Over 60)

Best Overall

Lâncome Absolue Revitalizing Eye Cream

$180 at Sephora $150 at Nordstrom $180 at Macy's

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, rose extract, linseed extract | Size: 0.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No 

The best eye creams are hydrating without being greasy or sticky, and this one does just that. Formulated with nourishing shea butter and linseed (flax) extract—which can help firm the skin thanks to a high omega-3 fatty acid content—this rich cream hydrates the delicate area while helping to reduce the appearance of puffiness and fine lines. 

In addition to the luxe texture and delicate rose scent, we enjoyed how this cream felt once applied—it created a cooling sensation that felt refreshing but never too intense. Throughout the test, we noticed that this formula helped to smooth the appearance of the skin in the area—noticeably diminishing the appearance of fine lines—and also worked to tone down redness from allergies and eye rubbing. Between its soft and moisturizing formula, its revitalizing feel on the skin, and its ability to create a noticeable improvement in the appearance of the under-eyes, this pick is an easy recommendation.

Chrissy, tester with dry skin and redness: “It made my skin soft and reduced puffiness and redness under my eyes. When I have a bad allergy day and have to wipe my eyes several times, they are not as raw and sore as usual.” 

Best With Caffeine

The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream

$14 at Amazon $12 at Theinkeylist.com $14 at Kohls.com

Key Ingredients: Caffeine, Albizia julibrissin bark extract | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Eye creams are often expensive due to their high concentration of active ingredients, but this option from The Inkey List is effective and affordable. It contains caffeine, which is known to help reduce inflammation, and Albizia julibrissin bark extract (silk tree bark extract), which can smooth and heal the skin.

Although we didn’t see improvements in our dark circles, we did notice reduced puffiness after using it consistently for four weeks. The lightweight texture is soft and hydrating, and we also found that it helped to smooth the appearance of lines and texture in the area. We were pleasantly surprised that after applying a light layer at night, we could still detect the moisturizing feel in the morning. All in all, it’s a great, affordable option for anyone in need of a moisturizing formula that also works to reduce puffiness.

Cecilia, tester with mature skin: “It definitely made my under-eyes seem smoother with a less wrinkly texture. My under-eyes seemed tighter and firmer.” 

Best Drugstore

L'Oréal Paris Eye Defense Eye Cream

$16

$13 at Amazon

$16

$13 at Walmart $16 at CVS

Key Ingredients: Caffeine, hyaluronic acid | Size: 0.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Our list wouldn’t be complete without a pick from our favorite drugstore brand, L'Oréal Paris. Crafted with caffeine and hyaluronic acid, this cream comes in a nongreasy gel-cream texture, which soothes and hydrates the skin. While it’s not technically advertised for sensitive skin, our tester has sensitive skin and was blown away by the cream’s gentle formula and how it didn’t cause her to experience any irritation. 

Chelsea, tester: “I instantly feel that my under-eyes look bright, plump, and refreshed, and my entire complexion feels and looks awake. I think this under-eye cream helps with puffiness and overall hydration, and it pairs wonderfully with a layer of concealer.”

Best Skin Tightening

Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Eye Tightener

$39 at Amazon $39 at Sephora $39 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Peptides, silicates, seaweed extract | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No 

While not exactly an eye cream, we have to give this tightener from Peter Thomas Roth a place on our list due to its rave reviews and immediate results. You've probably seen this product on your social media feed, and for good reason. Immediately after applying a thin layer to the under-eye area, it can firm and lift so that skin looks completely smooth and wrinkle-free. The results are temporary, but they should last you throughout the day. We love that it lays nicely under makeup and is packed with powerful anti-aging ingredients (including peptides and seaweed) to promote a more youthful-looking under-eye over time.

One thing to note is that applying too much of the product can leave a white residue under the eyes. Make sure to use only a pea-sized amount for both eyes.

Best Hydrating

Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream

$40 at Amazon $62 at Sephora $62 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Avocado oil, beta-carotene, shea butter | Size: 0.5, 0.95 oz | Cruelty-Free: No 

Powered by moisturizing avocado oil, shea butter, and beta-carotene (an antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables), this rich and creamy formula delivers long-lasting hydration and smooths the appearance of the under-eyes. After the initial application, we noticed a visible improvement in hydration, firmness, and radiance. 

Though some online reviewers find it slightly greasy, we didn't mind as the formula absorbs quickly and sits beautifully underneath makeup. The moisturizing benefits last all day long, and it reduces the appearance of fine lines and puffiness. We also appreciate that it’s fragrance-free, making this a fantastic option for those with sensitive skin or eyes.

Lisa, tester with dry skin (not shown): “Its ability to deliver immediate results, coupled with its longevity under makeup, exceeded my expectations. It has become an essential part of my skincare routine.” 

Best Lightweight

Dieux Skin Auracle Reviving Eye Gel

$44 at Sephora $44 at Dieuxskin.com $44 at Sokoglam.com

Key Ingredients: Peptides, algae extract, glycerin | Size: 0.68 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

If you're prone to milia around the eyes, you know that thick, heavy eye creams are absolutely out of the question. However, this lightweight gel-serum formula from Dieux is just as effective as a rich cream, and it won't irritate the under-eye skin or cause breakouts. It's formulated with peptides and algae extract to soothe puffiness and strengthen the skin barrier, as well as glycerin for added moisture and brightening effects. When we tried the eye gel, we noticed that our crow's feet looked plumper and smoother, and the skin under our eyes looked more hydrated. We loved that when applied in the morning, it helped to tamp down puffiness.

Grace, tester with oily skin (not pictured): “I normally use a thicker eye cream for my under-eyes, but I really enjoyed how refreshing this eye gel felt. My under-eyes also appeared less puffy after applying!”

Best Gel

Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel

$65 at Amazon $65 at Dermstore $65 at Drloretta.com

Key Ingredients: Algae extract, collagen | Size: 0.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re looking for an eye cream that helps to firm the skin under your eyes and create a smoother and tighter look, this is the one for you. Formulated with collagen, algae extract, and patented antioxidants, this formula temporarily firms the skin in the eye area while protecting it from environmental damage. We found that it helped reduce the appearance of fine lines, minimize puffiness, and create a smoother, more even texture. 

A light layer of the gel provides a refreshing cooling effect before settling down. Once set, it does create a minor tightening sensation that's not too uncomfortable—and if the sensation means that it’s working to firm the area (which we found it did), then it’s well worth it. The formula doesn’t feel the most moisturizing on the skin, so it’s not ideal if you have dry under-eyes. But, considering how well it reduces puffiness, we think it’s a fantastic option for those seeking firming benefits.

Hiranmayi, tester with sensitive, combination skin: “I do think this eye gel was hydrating. My under-eyes certainly looked hydrated, and my skin drank it up—it really absorbed well.”

Best With Retinol

Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum

$65 at Amazon $65 at Sephora $65 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Retinol, caffeine, copper peptides | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

In addition to 0.1 percent retinol, this eye cream boasts copper peptides and caffeine to help deflate under-eye puffiness, smooth fine lines, and fade discoloration. Its slightly watery texture absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving a slight veneer of moisture from the formula’s mango seed butter that dissipates after a few minutes. A little goes a long way, to the point that our tester was cautious to dispense only a half-pump of product when using it—on alternate mornings and evenings—to avoid being wasteful. 

While this formula effectively depuffed our tester’s under-eye bags, it’s important to note that she experienced a mild warming sensation immediately after each application, leaving her skin slightly dry but never red. For this reason, she wouldn’t recommend it to those with sensitive skin; our tester suggests it to those who want a straightforward and easy-to-use formula that’s lightweight enough for daytime use. 

Brittany, tester with sensitive skin and dark circles: "With this serum, I saw a reduction of puffiness around my eyes and a more glowy undereye area."

Best for Anti-Aging

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye Cream

$125 at Dermstore $125 at Skinceuticals.com

Key Ingredients: Concentrated proxylane™, wild fruit flavonoid blend, matrixyl 3000, glycyrrhetinic acid | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Reminiscent of room-temperature coconut oil, this under-eye cream from SkinCeuticals is solid at first touch but immediately transforms into a smooth, soft texture upon application. What stands out the most is the formula’s nourishing, brand-patented ingredients, which work together to support the skin’s natural firmness, correct visible signs of aging, and brighten a dull complexion. We loved using this under-eye cream at bedtime—it gave us a more radiant appearance upon waking (aka less prominent dark circles).

Grace, tester with oily skin: “I enjoyed that this under-eye cream had a rich, firm texture to the touch. It melted as soon as I applied it under my eyes, which made it feel like the area was getting optimal hydration.”

Best With Vitamin C

Herbivore Botanicals SUPER NOVA Eye Cream

$48 at Amazon $48 at Dermstore $48 at Nordstrom

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, turmeric, caffeine | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Darkness under the eyes can be caused by many factors, like hyperpigmentation, thickened capillaries, and thin skin. While a topical cream won’t fix or prevent these things from occurring, it can help temporarily brighten the area or slightly reduce the hyperpigmentation. If you’re on the hunt for a depuffing eye cream that can also make the area look more radiant, we highly recommend trying this one. 

Formulated with vitamin C and turmeric for antioxidant properties, as well as caffeine for depuffing, it helps to create a more even under-eye area. We loved the rich and creamy (but not greasy texture), and we found that the formula felt hydrating and layered beautifully underneath makeup. While we would have loved to see a bit more of a significant improvement in puffiness, we were pleased that it worked to reduce inflammation slightly while also delivering long-lasting hydration. It has a very subtle yellow tint, which helps to counteract blue tones in the area a bit, though it’s the radiant finish that helps to give the skin a nice glow and an illuminated appearance.

Mary, tester with sensitive skin (not shown): “This is a great pick to use in the morning, as it laid well under my makeup. It provided a smooth base and helped with puffiness. It also brightens my dark circles.”

Best for Fine Lines

Sunday Riley Auto Correct Eye Cream

$65 at Amazon $65 at Sephora $65 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Caffeine, Brazilian ginseng root extract, horse chestnut extract, acmella oleracea extract, watermelon rind extract, lutein | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re short on time and looking for an instant lift, look no further than this bestselling eye cream from Sunday Riley. Equipped with plumping ingredients that bring a radiant glow to the under-eye area, this pick delivers a lightweight, smooth feel and noticeable results that will leave you in awe. We recommend applying this cream morning and night to help improve your skin's moisture barrier and the appearance of expression lines.

Grace, tester with oily skin: “This is one of the only under-eye creams I completely swear by. It's a staple in my daytime routine because I feel the immediate results make for a perfect canvas for concealer and eyeshadow.”

Best With Retinol Alternative

Ilia Bright Start Eye Cream

$46 at Amazon $46 at Sephora $46 at Credo Beauty

Key Ingredients: Caffeine, peptides, avocado extract, sea fennel extract | Size: 0.05 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Applying eye cream can make for a brief moment of self-care, and this one feels nice and refreshing because the packaging features a ceramic tip applicator that feels cooling as you glide it across your skin. Between the applicator and the formula packed with caffeine, we found that it worked to reduce puffiness in the eye area beautifully. We also appreciated that the texture felt super lightweight while still hydrating the area, thanks to the formula's nourishing peptides and avocado extract.

This pick is great for those looking for a refreshing eye cream and is nice for anyone who wants to gently smooth the texture under their eyes. It contains sea fennel extract—a natural retinol alternative that smooths and illuminates the skin. In addition to getting radiance-boosting benefits from the sea fennel extract, the cream has a very fine pearlescence, which helps to give the skin a radiant glow.

Michelle, tester with dull skin: “It glides on really nicely with the metal applicator and feels cooling on the skin. It did help with brightening and depuffing.”

Best Brightening

Tatcha The Brightening Eye Cream

$65 at Amazon $65 at Sephora $65 at Tatcha.com

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, bioferments, Japanese plum, niacinamide | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This Tatcha eye cream was formulated to treat a wide range of under-eye concerns, such as dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles. After four weeks of consistent use, our tester noticed a major improvement in her under-eyes, noting that her skin looked more refreshed and felt hydrated. The cream has an ultra-creamy and whipped texture that absorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth throughout the day. 

Shauna Beni-Haynes, former senior editor: “I love the way the formula feels on my skin; it's light, soothing, and very easy to massage into the skin. I found that it layered very well under my makeup and did not cause any pilling or creases.”

Best Exfoliating

Dermalogica Awaken Peptide Eye Gel

$59 at Amazon $59 at Sephora $59 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Peptides, caffeine, rosemary leaf extract | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Another lightweight option for those who prefer thinner textures, this gel formula feels weightless under the eyes while still delivering hydrating and depuffing benefits. While we didn’t find that it helped improve the appearance of fine lines, it did just about everything else. From smoothing, providing long-lasting hydration, reducing puffiness, and leaving the area feeling cool, it’s an excellent product. 

The formula contains caffeine and peptides, which help to temper puffiness, as well as rosemary leaf extract, which the brand touts for its anti-aging benefits. It also contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, which gently exfoliates the skin to reveal a more even skin texture. If you’re looking for a lightweight formula that will treat the under-eyes completely, this one has our stamp of approval.

Mollie, tester with mature skin: “The under-eye cream was super hydrating. I think it's a great multi-age appropriate cream for everyday use.”